Omid Mouazzen: So schlimm steht es wirklich um Deutschland

Summary

Omid Mouazzen argues that Germany’s decline is visible both in everyday life and in policy outcomes. Rather than celebrating German industry, innovation, and “performance,” society is increasingly portrayed as valuing lower-status or lower-skill work—illustrated by the example of older German men in Munich being hired to drive rickshaws/pedicabs. He frames this as a symptom of broader economic and cultural problems, including labor shortages where Germany should instead be enabling young people—especially students—to work in ways that build skills and support growth.

He contrasts Germany with fast-rising countries such as India (and others like Brazil), claiming they are moving ahead aggressively (“full throttle”), while Germany has regressed over roughly the last 5–7 years. He also criticizes a perceived loss of ambition and competitiveness, arguing that “Made in China” has replaced what “Made in Germany” once represented—pointing to Chinese manufacturing and affordability (e.g., BYD-like cars), and to a reported moment where a Chinese woman allegedly rejected the idea of buying German cars, suggesting German products no longer carry the same prestige.

Mouazzen extends his critique to politics and demographics. He questions Germany’s foreign policy choices, suggesting the global approach has been unprofessional or misguided, and that these failures contribute to current weaknesses. He then focuses on Germany’s pension system, arguing it was designed under assumptions that no longer hold. With fewer workers supporting more retirees due to demographic trends and emigration, he claims the pay-as-you-go model is unsustainable—citing the idea that the ratio fell from about “six workers per pensioner” to roughly “two per pensioner,” approaching “1.5.”

On domestic social issues, he claims society is becoming “brutalizing,” citing rising rates of stabbings and rapes and increased fear among parents. He describes fear for daughters due to risk of sexual violence and for sons due to violent crime. He supports stronger and more decisive action, criticizing inconsistent measures such as knife bans being limited to city centers.

He also suggests that Germany’s approach to crime and punishment may treat foreigners and Germans differently—for example, alleging that offenders with foreign backgrounds may face deportation or exclusion—while noting that not all migrants should be treated as the same.

A substantial portion of the commentary targets asylum and deportation practices. He argues that Germany deports people who appear compliant and integrated—especially the “most vulnerable”—for statistical purposes, while more capable criminals may evade deportation through legal tactics. As an example, he describes a Tunisian asylum applicant who trained for nursing and stayed inconspicuous, yet was allegedly deported early in the morning at 4 a.m. He portrays this as irrational and inhumane, contrasting it with what he views as the potential contribution of those who want to contribute through training, work, and integration.

Overall, Mouazzen frames his arguments as a call to restore Germany’s priorities (“Germany first”), rebuild performance and competitiveness, address demographic and fiscal realities, and implement fairer and more effective policies on security and immigration—arguing that current approaches undermine both social cohesion and Germany’s future.

Presenters / Contributors

• Omid Mouazzen (speaker)